September 6, 2002

49ERS PREVAIL IN 2002 NFL OPENER ON LAST-MINUTE FIELD GOAL

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants 16-13 Thursday night on JOSE CORTEZ’S 36-yard field goal with :06 left in the game.

New York tied the score at 13-13 with 1:49 to play on RB TIKI BARBER’s 1-yard touchdown run, which capped a 77-yard, 14-play drive.  However, San Francisco QB JEFF GARCIA quickly moved the 49ers into field goal range, as he connected with WR TERRELL OWENS on a 33-yard catch and run to help set up Cortez’s game-winner.

The 49ers and Giants ushered in the new season with the first-ever midweek National TV primetime opener.